Two gunmen were being hunted by police tonight after a woman was shot dead in
a house on a quiet residential street.

Police said a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found suffering from gunshot wounds just before 11pm on Sunday.

Officers were today hunting two men who were in the house at the time who are thought to have fled the area. A 27 year-old man, who also cannot be named, has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

The pair were seen fleeing the semi-detached house in Hinckley, Leics., in a dark coloured car. Potential reasons for the shooting also cannot be reported.

Today, detectives launched a murder investigation as forensic officers searched gardens and hedges in the area for the weapon.

Neighbours told how the area was normally peaceful but there had been a series of disturbances at the property in the lead-up to the shooting.

It is believed at least two disturbances had occurred at the home in the past week. Other locals suggested people living at the property were involved in drug dealing.

"Around six to eight weeks ago there was loads of shouting and arguing at around 12.30am," said Michelle Sarson, 25.

"A taxi arrived to take someone away, but then drove off without anyone getting in. Then the police turned up and it quietened down.

"It's normally quiet around here, so this is pretty surprising.”

Another local, Rosie Piff, 18, said: "It's dreadful. Nothing like this has happened around here before.

"My brother heard a big bang and looked out of the window to see two men dressed in black running from around the back of the house. They got into a car which raced off.

"Then the police turned up. There were so many, with massive machine guns. I couldn't believe it."

The occupier of the house is thought to have separated from his pregnant girlfriend in the days before the shooting.

She arrived at the scene with a friend and spoke briefly to reporters today.

The 20-year-old, who declined to give her name, or her boyfriend's, said: "We had a little argument and I moved out.

"We're separated at the moment. The first thing I heard about something happening was when my friend called me. I don't know who the person who shot was, and I haven't heard from my boyfriend. No one will tell me what is happening."

A Leicestershire Police spokesman appealed for witnesses.

"Officers attended and found a woman in the house with a single gunshot wound and she was confirmed dead at the scene," he said.

"An area around the house has been cordoned off while police carry out their inquiries.

"A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody.”

He added: "Inquiries are still in the early stages and police are urging anyone with information to come forward."

Detective Superintendent Tom Davies, from the East Midlands Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, added: "This is an incredibly tragic incident and we are determined to find those responsible.

"Although we are only in the very early stages of the investigation we believe that the two men who stopped at the house prior to the incident were involved.

"Officers are looking into the possibility that those two men may have travelled from outside of the Leicestershire area."